Legendary Stooges drummer Scott Asheton dies aged 64

18/03/2014

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Scott Asheton has passed away this week after a long running battle with illness. The former Iggy and the Stooges drummer, originally from Ann Arbour in Michigan, was 64 years old and the music community has been quick to express its sympathies.

Iggy Pop was first in line to pay tribute posting a heartfelt message on his Facebook page. Iggy said "My dear friend Scott Asheton passed away last night. Scott was a great artist, I have never heard anyone play the drums with more meaning than Scott Asheton".

Pop added "He was like my brother. He and Ron have left a huge legacy to the world. The Asheton’s have always been and continue to be a second family to me. My thoughts are with his sister Kathy, his wife Liz and his daughter Leanna, who was the light of his life".

Asheton had to leave the Stooges back in 2011 due to illness but he had recently returned to action with them as he recorded with the band again in 2013 on the song Ready to Die.

There was plenty of love for Asheton from the music community with Flea of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers tweeting "Scott Asheton rocked me as deeply as any musician ever. gave me such joy and freedom in my life R.I.P." while Black Flag lead singer Henry Rollins said "Scott Asheton passed away. Stooges albums on full".

Iggy and The Stooges are mainstays on the festival tour and Scott Asheton will be fondly remembered for some barnstorming performances throughout his career.